Fisher of Men
M. Ward Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

When you're absolute beginners, it's a panoramic view
From her majesty Mount Zion, and the kingdom is for you

When you tumble upon that valley
Shark or sparrow line the stairs
When the arrows start descending, then they scatter everywhere
On a bookshelf in Caledonia sits a map of passageways
Best to stumble upon Mount Zion to behold the natural gates

They say the original sinners never felt a drop of pain
Until that second in the garden, then they felt it each and every day
So draw back your bows, you hunters who have never felt that plain
All the absolute beginners, they are safe in the shade for today





When you're absolute beginners, it's a panoramic view
From her majesty Mount Zion, and the kingdom is for you

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of M. Ward's song Fisher of Men addresses those who are just starting off in their journey, as "absolute beginners," and how they see things through a wide lens or "panoramic view," from the top of Mount Zion. This biblical reference adds a layer of spirituality and perhaps even the idea that the "kingdom" mentioned is a kind of divine paradise promised to those that are true of heart. The second verse refers to the hardships that will inevitably come as depicted by the image of a "valley," where the "shark or sparrow line the stairs." As the "arrows start descending," causing chaos and confusion, the image of a "map of passageways" in Caledonia (Scotland), acts as a guide towards the "natural gates" of Mount Zion.


In the following verse, there is a mention of "original sinners" and how they never experienced "pain" until they were cast out of paradise. This ties in again with the idea of Mount Zion being a utopian paradise. The final verse is a rallying call to those who have tasted the bitter truths of life ("felt that pain") to aim their bows and fight for what they want. The absolute beginners, however, are safe in the shade, not yet having to face the harsh realities of the world.


Line by Line Meaning

When you're absolute beginners, it's a panoramic view
Being a beginner opens up new perspectives and opportunities.


From her majesty Mount Zion, and the kingdom is for you
Going to Mount Zion will give you grand experiences and a world of possibilities.


When you tumble upon that valley
When you encounter a valley or low point in your life.


Shark or sparrow line the stairs
There are different dangers and challenges that come with going up or down.


When the arrows start descending, then they scatter everywhere
Chaos and confusion can come when things start going wrong.


On a bookshelf in Caledonia sits a map of passageways
There are ways to navigate through challenging situations.


Best to stumble upon Mount Zion to behold the natural gates
It's worth facing challenges to have transcendent experiences.


They say the original sinners never felt a drop of pain
Sinners don't know what they're missing until they commit their first sin.


Until that second in the garden, then they felt it each and every day
Once they experienced sin, they felt the burden of pain and responsibility.


So draw back your bows, you hunters who have never felt that plain
Take aim, those who haven't experienced hardship, and get ready because it's coming.


All the absolute beginners, they are safe in the shade for today
Beginners are protected from hardship temporarily, but it won't last forever.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: M. WARD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@Scudder2008

came across this guy on PBS late one night...I was hooked...true talent......

@TheNateFishermanShow

Great Song

@reisdrothepoet

This song is amazing. M.Ward is amazing.

@apple.sauce.

I have listened to this album over and over. I hope he play until he dies.

@sterlingwalter5971

Found him on this fantastic radio station WUMB 91.9 FM

@ZeeJules67

I just showed this to my mom. She really digs it :D

@lowmazda626

Matt is truly unique and inspirational.

@Noellenc

I made a video with this song for Father's Day... all different boating themed photos from around New England, where I live, for my dad who lives in Maryland! :)

@Noellenc

@kasroa I made it private b/c it's sort of personal to my family, but if you wanted to see it I could send you a link :)

@Noellenc

@kasroa Sure, can you add me as a friend that way I can msg you the link?